US and UK Criticize China’s Maritime Claims

The United States, United Kingdom, and 12 other nations have strongly criticized China’s territorial expansion efforts in the disputed South China Sea, stating that they violate international law and threaten regional stability. In a joint statement, these countries condemned Beijing’s actions and reiterated the importance of adhering to global legal frameworks. They emphasized that China’s conduct undermines peace and order in the region.

The statement recalled the July 12, 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which clearly stated that China has no legal rights over resources beyond its recognized territorial claims. The ruling also objected to China’s interference with the Philippines’ activities in the waters. While China rejected the verdict and reaffirmed its claims over the South China Sea, the European Union, along with 27 member nations, issued a separate statement calling the 2016 ruling historic and urging peaceful resolution of disputes.